Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

EXCLUSIVE TEST: Hollyland Solidcom M1 Intercom System

25/11/2021

EXCLUSIVE TEST: Hollyland Solidcom M1 Intercom System posted: 25/11/2021

by Sven Kubeile

For any live production that requires a larger crew communication is key. Usually a reliable intercom system will take care of that. Especially with larger productions, these systems are often complex. But there are also solutions for smaller teams, such as from. We were able to test Hollyland's latest top-of-the-range system Solidcom M1 in a real production environment.

Solidcom M1 is a digital intercom system for small to medium-sized applications and basically an intercom system in which, depending on the version, up to four or eight people can talk to each other independently. It is not a system in which the beltpacks can be used to create a complex wired intercom solution. The beltpacks do not contact each other directly, the connection is established via a base station. The individual units can also be configured and assigned to groups via the integrated display and the control options. The base has to be powered with a dedicated power supply unit via an Ethernet port. Multiple systems can be cascaded with one another or connected to a third-party system using additional connections. Compatible manufacturers are Clear-Com, Hanson, Altair and Datavideo. A directional antenna is integrated in the base to ensure a secure radio connection, a feature which is particularly useful for stage applications. When placed on a tripod a range of 400 meters can be achieved. For applications in which users of the beltpack have to be mobile, the use of the supplied rod antennas ist recommended. They enable an omnidirectional range of 300 meters.

Beltpacks

The beltpacks are very well made and look neither too small nor too big. There is a battery compartment on the side. For charging the devices can either be placed in the supplied charging cradle or batteries can be removed individually and charged separately, allowing the batteries to be exchanged quickly during production. On the bottom of the bealtpacks there are LEMO sockets to plug in the headsets that come with the beltpack. The talk switch can be found easily on the top of the device. A few settings can be made via a display and three buttons, but these do not go into much depth so that the user is prevented to change anything essential. The volume can be adjusted as required using two buttons on the side

Headsets

The supplied headsets are open on one side and allow good speech intelligibility as well in noisy environments. A tally is attached to the foldable microphone, shows that a sound signal is being transmitted. The headband is comfortable and the quality of the connectors will most likely allow for a long service.

On set

We used the Solidcom M1 system in a production enviromment to find out the systems capabilities and its potential limits. It was used as the main intercom for two small Live-TV productions taking place in large churches. The architecture of those caused the only problem that we came across. Due to the massive outer walls the signal range was sometimes in the range of only 10 metres which made it difficult to connect to the system's base station in the outside broadcast vehicle. This would normally have called for either using a second base station or careful readjusting of the existing base station - which was the route we went down.

Everything being set up well you can enjoy very good voice quality, which simplifies production both on air and during assembly and dismantling. A clean reception and transmission quality was possible at all times, even when speaking in a low voice like you have to during a production in a church. We especially liked the integrated audio processing that prevents noise from all open beltpacks from adding up and thereby reducing speech intelligibility. External providers who were included in the intercom were also enthusiastic about the intelligibility of speech and how comfortably the headsets could be worn.

The dismantling of the system was as quick and easy as the setup before. Thanks to the perfectly provided cutouts in the case, everything could be packed quickly and securely. The trolley has integrated rollers and can be easily transported over long distances.

Conclusion

If you decide to buy a Hollyland Solidcom M1, you get a very capable, well-functioning and simple intercom system. Being in a price range of under 8,000 euros for eight transmitter / receiver units, the system can't be compared with significantly more scalable systems such as a Riedel's Bolero. For small to medium-sized and less complex productions, small live streams and TV broadcasts, theaters, film productions and event companies, the Solidcom M1 offers almost everything you can possibly need. In addition, it can be set up and operated by almost anyone without any particular system training.

What we liked:

High quality and robust construction

Very good voice quality

High quality case tailored to the system

Comfortable headsets

Robust connectors on beltpacks and headsets

Long battery life

Everything you need in one case

No training necessary

What we didnt like:

Low range through walls - in that case the use of two bases is advisable

No push-to-talk , just continuous on or off
LINK: https://www.live-production.tv/news/products/exclusive-test-hollyland-...
See more stories from liveproduction

Europe Stories

06/10/2025

France Tlvisions Wins Prestigious 2025 EBU Technology & Innovation Award in Groundbreaking Collaboration with Dalet

France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...

04/09/2025

Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Dalet Win Prestigious 2025 NAB Show Project of the Year Award

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), in collaboration with Dalet, has been a...

03/07/2025

Introducing: New Carts

For our Vario-Jib, as well as for a repertoire of weights, we now have carts that make transport easier...

03/07/2025

Introducing: Slider Drive Unit

One of our latest innovations: Slider Drive Unit! Our Vario Slider not only comes with improvements and new features, but also with its own drive unit! Our i...

03/07/2025

Introducing: ARRI EVO 360

The 360 EVO lives up to its name: 360-degree rotation not only on the pan axis, but also on the roll axis, enables filmmakers to take their creative visions eve...

03/07/2025

Panther at BSC EXPO 2025

What a buzzing few days at BSCExpo in London! We were thrilled to connect with so many talented professionals from the world of cinematography. A huge thank ...

03/07/2025

"The whole rig had to be detachable mid-episode

ADOLESCENCE - Shot with Panther Tower"The whole rig had to be detachable mid-episode Netflix limited drama series Adolescence has been gaining attentio...

03/07/2025

** MEDIA ALERT ** Shonen Jump Store Hosting Los Angeles Pop-up During Anime Expo 2025

** MEDIA ALERT ** Shonen Jump Store Hosting Los Angeles Pop-up During Anime Exp...

03/07/2025

Sky Arts Unveils New Mozart Season, Celebrating the Legacy of Classicals Greatest Maestro

Thursday 3 July 2025 David Harewood and Matthew Broome in Mozart: Genius for Hi...

03/07/2025

Sky announces 2025 Sky WNT Fund Recipients

The Sky WNT Fund supports Womens National Team players with a 30,000 bursaryThursday 3 July 2025 Sky Ireland has announced the four recipients of the 2025 Sky...

02/07/2025

NAB 2025: Calrec expands ecosystem providing ultimate flexibility

Calrec expands ecosystem at NAB 2025 giving broadcasters access to dynamic workflows and ultimate flexibility Helping broadcasters meet the shifting needs of me...

02/07/2025

VEON Raises USD 200 Million in Private Bond Placement

02 Jul 2025 VEON Raises USD 200 Million in Private Bond Placement Dubai, July 1, 2025: VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator ( VEON ), announces ...

02/07/2025

Dom Chinea opens his Cornish Workshop for new series on U&YESTERDAY and U

Brand new factual series follows mechanic and self-taught engineer Dom Chinea as he makes the move of his life to the far west of Cornwall UKTV today announces...

02/07/2025

Rohde & Schwarz acquires ZES ZIMMER Electronic Systems GmbH and expands its T&M portfolio for power electronics

Rohde & Schwarz acquires ZES ZIMMER Electronic Systems GmbH and expands its T&M ...

02/07/2025

Riedel Communications Launches RefSuite Ecosystem for Sports Officiating, Coaching, and Production

Wuppertal July 2, 2025 Riedel Communications Launches RefSuite Ecosystem for S...

02/07/2025

ABC Appoints New Chair

Andrew will serve as Chair of ABC alongside his role at NED, APL Media, where he supports the executive team with strategic insight and global expansion plans. ...

01/07/2025

ITV Celebrates Best Sunday of 2025 with Code of Silence

The launch of Code of Silence, coupled with the Britains Got Talent semi final, gave ITV its best Sunday night of 2025. The first episode of the new crime dr...

01/07/2025

Romola Garai joins Shaun Evans in ITV thriller BETRAYAL, as filming begins in the North West

ITV and Mammoth Screen have announced the start of filming for Betrayal, a gripp...

01/07/2025

Movicom Selects Clear-Com to Power Communications for Global Live Events

eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......

01/07/2025

KIT Plugins release NOIZ One Vox

Vocal-processing plug-in joins NOIZ Hub series Launched in 2024, KIT Plugins' NOIZ Hub series was created with the aim of providing a range of professio...

01/07/2025

7 Day Mastering: New course from Mastering.com

New self-paced learning programme announced Mastering.com have announced the availability of a new online course designed to cover the fundamentals of maste...

01/07/2025

cetecom advanced certifies Rohde & Schwarz test solution for the verification of Next Generation eCall functionality

cetecom advanced certifies Rohde & Schwarz test solution for the verification of...

01/07/2025

Teresa Smith Announced as Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment

RT has announced that Teresa Smith has been appointed Commissioning Editor with responsibility for Factual Entertainment following a public competition. This s...

01/07/2025

RT is Supporting 26 Arts and Cultural Events across Ireland this July

This July, RT is delighted to support Galway International Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival in Donegal, Belfast TradFest and 23 other arts and cultural ev...

30/06/2025

Discover Weekly Turns 10: Celebrating 100 Billion+ Tracks Streamed and a Decade of Personalized Discovery

There's nothing quite like the magic of finding music that feels made just f...

30/06/2025

Spotify's Editors Pick Their Best Songs of the Year (So Far)

When it comes to new music, Spotify's team of editors across North America is always on the hunt for songs that make them feel, think, and move. They're...

30/06/2025

The Forsytes Season 2 Commissioned by MASTERPIECE on PBS

Star Studded Ensemble Cast Are Joined by Richard Rankin as Filming Begins on the Second Season [June 12, 2025 - Boston, MA]: The Forsytes, Debbie Horsfield...

30/06/2025

Qu-Bit announce the Bloom v2

Eurorack sequencer module reimagined California-based modular synth innovators Qu-Bit have announced the launch of a new module that offers a fresh new take...

30/06/2025

Techivation launch T-De-Esser Pro Mk2

Improved dynamic behaviour, improved audio quality & more Techivation have announced the release of an upgraded edition of their very first premium plug-in,...

30/06/2025

German premiere with live flight demonstration: German industry team showcases electromagnetic combat from the air

German premiere with live flight demonstration: German industry team showcases e...

30/06/2025

The Focusrite Summer Sale is now on

The Focusrite Summer Sale is now on Don't miss unbeatable deals on Scarlett, Vocaster, and more. Whether you're an artist, a producer, or a podcaste...

30/06/2025

Yellowstone origin story 1923 starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren comes to RT One and RT Player

All 8 episodes of Season 1 of 1923 will be available on RT Player from Tuesday ...

30/06/2025

Thales 2025 Global Cloud Security Study Reveals Organizations Struggle to Secure Expanding, AI-Driven Cloud Environments

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 52% report AI security spending is displacing tr...

30/06/2025

Thales Alenia Space to develop SOLiS very-high-throughput laser communications demonstrator

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Cannes, June 30th, 2025 - Thales Alenia Space, t...

29/06/2025

Roland introduce the Mood Pan

Handpan-inspired instrument announced Roland have announced the launch of the Mood Pan, a unique electronic hand percussion instrument that has been designe...

28/06/2025

Scaler 3.1 update from Scaler Music

Music theory plug-in updated Three months on from the release of the latest version of their renowned music theory plug in, Scaler Music have launched an up...

27/06/2025

Spotify Launches K-Pop Performance Video Series . . . Next Up, TWS

K-Pop remains one of the biggest genres globally, and many fans just can't get enough of it. That's why Spotify has launched a new series of K-Pop perf...

27/06/2025

Family Cybersecurity CEO: Protecting Kids, Parents, and My Sanity From Scams

In our latest blog post, Rafael Rivera highlights the rising threat of online scams, and the important role cybersecurity plays in protecting families across ge...

27/06/2025

Klevgrand introduce Walls reverb plug-in

From grounded realism to bending, impossible geometries Klevgrand have announced the release of a new algorithmic reverb plug-in which they say deconstruct...

27/06/2025

GIK Acoustics: Room EQ Wizard Tutorial

Learn to use REW for room analysis Acoustic treatment is one of the most important factors in any studio, and with the extensive range of products available...

27/06/2025

Soundtheory release Kraftur Focus

Second edition of parallel clipper plug-in announced Soundtheory have announced the launch of Kraftur Focus, a new edition of their parallel clipper plug-in...

27/06/2025

Thales and KONGSBERG to establish new major Defence communications joint venture in Norway

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Thales, a global high-tech leader, and Kongsberg...

27/06/2025

RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland

Friday 27 June 2025 Combination of RTL Deutschland and Sky Deutschland (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) to create a unique proposition in entertainment, sports ...

26/06/2025

AgileTV will develop the TV service for LIWEST in Austria

Bilbao Linz, June 26th 2025 - AgileTV, a European leader in TV and video technology solutions, has signed an agreement this week with the Austrian telco LIWES...

26/06/2025

Ad-hoc News: aconnic AG places capital increase and postpones publication of annual report until completion of the transaction

aconnic AG (ISIN: DE000A0LBKW6), Munich, has resolved, based on the decisions ma...

26/06/2025

KRK launch Kreate Series monitors

Three new entry-level models introduced Catering to everything from casual listening to professional content creation, KRK's new Kreate Series monitors ...

26/06/2025

MIDI Innovation Awards: Deadline approaching

Registration closes on 8 July 2025 The deadline for entires into the fifth annual MIDI Innovation Awards is now just two weeks away. Product submissions are...

26/06/2025

Waves V16 now available

Entire plug-in range updated Waves have announced the launch of Waves V16, the latest version of their extensive plug-ins collection. Along with compatibili...

26/06/2025

The European Space Agency awards Thales Alenia Space the study of the SIRIUS mission to monitor Urban Heat Islands from space

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Madrid, June 26, 2025 - The European Space Agenc...